"I have the greatest respect and affection for Sarah, Todd, and their family," McCain said. "I was deeply honored to have her as my running mate and believe she will continue to play an important leadership role in the Republican party and our nation."

McCain had selected Palin to fill out the Republican ticket during last year's presidential election. After the two lost, some reports had emerged to depict a rocky relationship between some of McCain's most loyal aides and Palin.

Indeed, McCain's daughter, Meghan, has made it clear that Palin is the one issue on which she won't comment -- reiterating as much in a tweet yesterday.